What do you think would have happened to smoking levels if smokers had been monetarily compensated for the same amount as each tax rise? Do you think as many would have quit or reduced their intake? I doubt it. Where is the incentive? Just like the Carbon Tax.
I suggest that, while not everyone will agree now, in decades to come taxing carbon emissions to reduce the pressure on global warming will be viewed in a similar light.
No, the light it will be viewed in is the same one that shines on the AIDS/Swine Flu/Y2K/World will freeze over/Bird Flu doomsday predictions. I am ashamed to think what the world will look back on and think of this era.